You don’t have to solve every problem every time (brownie points if you can!) but you need to acknowledge concerns and provide information and support. This is when resource lists and how-to posts come in handy.

Your readers want you to want to help them.

Get out there and help them.

Tip: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking only about fears that relate to you. You is code for your business, product, or blog. Remember that fears are deeply ingrained on a personal level.

Think about what scares you:

caring for your family

keeping a roof over your head

cutting home expenses

pursuing your dreams

Still having a hard time? Try the Traffic Targeting Technique like Sarah did here when writing her first blog post.

What makes a blog popular?

The best blogs are great at identifying what their readers want to read.

Ash, Step by step on creating a viral post. I like- you will never please everyone (those who leave snotty comments), but you can focus on what the audience needs.

Ashley Trexler

Ann, yes to never pleasing everyone! I have to constantly remind myself my site is about my audience, not me. Harder than it sounds. For me, at least! Thanks for reading and I’ve really been enjoying your work on HuffPo lately!

Ilka Emig

Hi Ashley!
Very nice summary and some good reminders. I remember how horrible I felt the first time someone unsubscribed. And just last week it was me who unsubscribed to a lot of blogs since I could not handle the amount of mails anymore. Thanks for sharing, Ilka

Ashley Trexler

Thanks, Ilka! Yes, the unsubscribes are hard to handle…especially when you’re first growing your site. I’ve noticed it gets easier as long as subscribers continue to flow in 🙂 Thanks for reading!

http://www.consciouscareerchoices.com Maria Stenvinkel

Awesome post Ashley! Definitely gives some perspective on the blog world (which isn’t like we tend to think it’s like)

Ashley Trexler

Thanks, Maria! I’m glad it shows the info in a fresh light. Appreciate you stopping by!

Ashley Trexler

Thanks for reading!

Kim

Great post, Ashley! Like you said, the unsubscribes are difficult to take when you’re just starting out. Learning what your readers want definitely is a skill worth learning and once learned staying on top of. It’s even more challenging when you’re just starting out and trying to find your cadence. Having points like yours to follow helps to keep you feeling like your not just out there flailing. Thanks.

Laura J Tong

Such a comprehensive post Ashley, thanks for sharing this. Really encouraging and inspiring to have so many questions answered.

Nicki Lee

Super helpful post, Ashley! I especially love Exercise #2, the questions to ask yourself about a blog post. Will help me generate so many ideas!

http://ellenbard.com Ellen Bard

Really practical post Ashley with lots of good ideas, thanks!

http://www.reflectingalife.com/ Elle

Great tips Ashley. I still cringe somewhat an unsubscribes, but as you say you won’t please everyone with every post, but you can use some of your techniques to make sure you’re writing content that matters to your readers. #thumbsup! 🙂